President John Dramani Mahama has charged the newly sworn-in Deputy Chairpersons of the Electoral Commission (EC), Joseph Kwaku Asamoah and Emilia Afi Agbenyo, to place the national interest above partisan political considerations in the discharge of their duties.
He said their responsibility is to the Republic of Ghana and its people, stressing that they must perform their functions without favour towards any political party, candidate or government.
President Mahama made the remarks during the swearing-in ceremony of the two officials at the Presidency.
He emphasised that the Electoral Commission occupies a critical position in Ghana’s democracy because its work determines how citizens choose their leaders, hold governments accountable and influence the country’s direction.
According to him, the confidence citizens place in elections depends considerably on the integrity, competence and fairness of the Commission.
“Together, your two backgrounds offer complementary strengths. The task ahead is to translate those strengths into diligent, impartial, and effective service,” the President stated.
He reminded the Deputy Chairpersons that the authority associated with their offices must always be exercised with fairness, restraint and fidelity to the law.
President Mahama further urged them to demonstrate the courage to uphold what is right, even when doing so may be inconvenient for individuals or groups involved in the electoral process.
He said the integrity of the electoral system depends on the Commission applying the same standards to all political actors and ensuring that the will of the people is faithfully reflected in election results.
The President also called on the officials to work collaboratively with fellow Commissioners and staff to promote professionalism and strengthen institutional systems.
He noted that their respective backgrounds in law, finance, electoral administration, public administration and institutional leadership offered valuable experience for the Commission’s work.
President Mahama congratulated the two Deputy Chairpersons on their appointments and urged them to let competence distinguish their work, fairness shape their judgement and the national interest remain their constant guide.
He reaffirmed that his government would support the Electoral Commission in fulfilling its mandate while respecting its independence.
